Business Operations Officer

The British Council builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language. 

We work in two ways – directly with individuals to transform their lives, and with governments and partners to make a bigger difference for the longer term, creating benefit for millions of people all over the world. We help young people to gain the skills, confidence and connections they are looking for to realise their potential and to participate in strong and inclusive communities. We support them to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications. Our work in arts and culture stimulates creative expression and exchange and nurtures creative enterprise. We connect the best of the UK with the world and the best of the world with the UK. 

These connections lead to an understanding of each other's strengths and of the challenges and values that we share. This builds trust between people in the UK and other nations which endures even when official relations may be strained. We work on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2019-20 we connected with 80 million people directly and with 791 million overall, including online and through our broadcasts and publications. 

Role Purpose

To provide local finance and office administration support, Bank statement and reconciliations follow up, maintain systems, processes, documentation, handle internal enquiries and prepare management information reports for multiple functions. The role will contribute to the achievement of British Council corporate standards and meet relevant polices/ procedures.
To be a pro-active member of the Business Operations team.  Work as part of an efficient and effective team to support the business in achieving objectives. The role will ensure that team performance adds value to the delivery of objectives and to ensure that all risks, compliance and business continuity are identified and monitored.
To support the Business Operations Manager and wider team in the delivery of new initiatives and change programmes.

Main Accountabilities

Stakeholder Management, including Suppliers
•    Develop strong relationships with internal support teams
•    Provide relocation information and support; shipping, customs clearance, storage details
•    Provide and maintain excellent and professional relationship with British Council Stakeholders  

Onsite Financial Activities
•    Oversee and control cash handling of the operation department 
•    Prepare and deliver off-system payments and payment run execution to necessary recipients
•    Follow-up on purchase orders creation for the operation department
•    Follow-up with the country team on risk items report
•    Follow-up on financial control and compliance framework
•    Handle and monitor accruals and deferrals 
•    Manage end of month closure
•    Supporting the team and providing documentation to the team for audits
•    Follow up on any pending purchase orders with the team and collaborate with the regional procurement team
•    Reconcile banks, cash and credit card and clear pending transactions in coordinator with regional colleagues
•    Conduct spot checks on all cash in country
•    Clearly define delegated authorities and make sure they are embedded in financial processes
•    Follow-up on budget monitoring and cash flow with all teams 

Internal Customer Service and Support
•    Responds knowledgeably and professionally to internal finance enquiries, to ensure stakeholders receive high quality, prompt and timely service
•    Monitor payment tracking system and provide support when needed

About You (essential requirements for the role):
•    Fluent reading and writing in English and Arabic
•    University degree in Finance, accounting, business administration or other related field
•    At least 1 years’ experience in Finance/Accounting role.
•    Proven track record in general office administration.

Further Information 
•    Role:  Business Operations Officer – Req 15467
•    Number of positions :1
•    Pay Band: H/4
•    Contract type: 1-year fixed term local contract 
•    Salary for the position: 1,960,308 LBP paid in US dollars as long as it is applicable. In addition to daily transportation allowances, social security and medical insurance coverage.
•    Location: Lebanon
•    Closing date and time: 16 November 2021 (23.59 Gulf Standard Time)

Further information:  Candidates should have the legal rights to live and work in the country.

Please note that all applications should be submitted only in English.

It is advisable to apply in advance to avoid any technical issues at the last moment.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality , Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Statement

The British Council is committed to policies and practices of equality, diversity and inclusion across everything we do. We support all staff to make sure their behaviour is consistent with this commitment.  We want to address under representation and encourage applicants from under-represented groups, in particular, but not exclusively, on grounds of ethnicity and disability.  All disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview and we have Disability Confident Employer Status.  We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with.

We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989.

Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed; these will include qualification checks, reference checks, identity & criminal record checks in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

  If you have any problems with your application please email askhr@britishcouncil.org 

Please note: Applications to this role can only be considered when made through the Apply section of our careers website. Our ‘ASK HR’ email is only to be used in case of a technical issue encountered when applying through the careers website. Emails with supporting statements and CV/Resumes sent to this email address will not be reviewed and will be deleted.